2007 Golf Invitational
"Driving the Stigma Out of Mental Illness"
| Date: |
September 10, 2007 |
| Registration: |
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. |
| Time: |
11:00 a.m. Shotgun Start |
| Format: |
"Best Ball" and Spikeless Course |
| Location: |
Whiskey Creek (Ijamsville, MD) |
| Registration: |
Register Online! |
Dear Golfers:
Think of those we know with cancer and heart disease, we tend to applaud their courage in the way they manage their disease and we lift their spirits with our support and compassion. But, when we think of a person with mental illness, do we extend the same hand and feeling of compassion and empathy, or is it shame, maybe even fear.
Do we not fear most what we know least about?
Isn’t this how society reacted to AIDS 25 years ago?
Looking back over the events that took place through out our community over the recent months convinces me that mental illness must be as "top of mind" as any other disease we are so public and vocal about – such as cancer, heart disease, and AIDS.
Most people are not aware that the incidence of mental illness is more common than heart disease and cancer, combined. And, something else that most people do not realize – mental illness is a treatable disease.
However, unquestionably, the most formidable obstacle to future progress is stigma. Stigma is the most significant among the many barriers that discourage people from seeking treatment. In fact, new research tells us that the delay, on average, between diagnosis and treatment is now seven years. This is unacceptable.
We just held our 1st Annual Gala, "Tackling Mental Illness: Kicking the Stigma" at FedEx Field on May 10th. There was one purpose – to raise awareness of mental illness and the stigma overwhelmingly associated with it. We need to admit it – we need to acknowledge it – we need to be public about it if we want to truly change how society treats this disease. No one should feel shame if they have depression (or any psychiatric disorder) – how is this illness any different than cancer, heart disease, and why should it be!
Therefore, to continue in the spirit of "kicking the stigma", our 4th Annual Golf Invitational is appropriately "Driving the Stigma Out of Mental Illness". Stigma must be overcome – it is THE single biggest barrier to treatment - and we hope that by keeping a public focus on this issue, 144 golfers will walk away with new knowledge and changed perceptions about this disorder.
This is not a question of "should we act", but, that "we must act"! And, if we accomplish our objective for this event, then we – our community – are well on our way to, indeed, "driving the stigma out of mental illness"!
Please join us – for the fun,
for the friends, for the food, and for the purpose!